Arizona glossy snake (Arizona elegans)

The Arizona glossy snake (Arizona elegans noctivaga), is a nonvenomous snake species native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. 

The Glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a medium-sized, moderately slender colubrid snake, reaching lengths from 26 – 70 inches (66 – 178cm). It is characterized by numerous dark-edged, tan, golden-brown, or olive-gray blotches on a background that varies from cream to light tan, light cream, pinkish, or gray. The dorsal scales on these snakes are smooth (without keels) and are glossy in appearance. The far western Arizona specimens may exhibit a faded or washed-out pattern and are referred to by some as the “faded snake”. The belly is white or a pale buff (light brownish yellow), and the pupils are round except when they are contracted where they will slightly vertical. Anal scale is single.

It is renowned for its prowess as a burrower, spending a significant portion of its life underground. Primarily active during the night in Arizona, it strategically avoids the extreme temperatures of the desert surface. This species has perfected its burrowing techniques, aided by its streamlined body and countersunk lower jaw, allowing it to effortlessly navigate through soil and sand. Unlike other snake species commonly found hiding beneath surface objects, the Glossy Snake seldom ventures above ground during the day. Instead, it relies on its exceptional burrowing abilities to seek refuge from the harsh desert conditions. By utilizing its underground shelters, the Glossy snake not only avoids temperature extremes but also minimizes exposure to predators, ensuring its survival in the arid landscapes of Arizona. 

This species occupies a diverse array of habitats across its range in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Primarily found in arid and semi-arid environments, this species thrives in a variety of ecosystems characterized by desert scrubland, grasslands, shrublands, and sandy or rocky terrain. In Arizona specifically, the Glossy snake inhabits a mosaic of habitats, including desert washes, sandy flats, rocky slopes, grassy plains, and mesquite woodlands. These snakes are particularly well-adapted to arid conditions, often seeking refuge in underground burrows or beneath rocks, vegetation, or debris during the day to avoid the intense heat.

With its nocturnal habits, these snakes emerge from underground burrows under the cover of darkness to search for food. When an opportunity arises, the Glossy snake swiftly strikes its prey, using its teeth to secure a firm grip. Once caught, the snake may constrict its prey to immobilize it before swallowing it whole. They feed primarily on lizards, small mammals, other snakes, and occasionally birds, especially if they are nestlings.

Typically, mating occurs in the spring, following emergence from winter hibernation or brumation. Females lay eggs during the summer months, typically from June-July. Clutch sizes can vary between 3-23 eggs but typically range from 5-12 eggs.

Once the eggs are laid, the female Glossy snake exhibits little to no parental care, leaving the eggs to incubate unattended. Incubation periods can last from six to eight weeks, with hatching occurring in late summer or early autumn. Upon hatching, the young Glossy snakes emerge fully independent and equipped with the instinctual behaviors necessary for survival in their desert habitat.

Human interactions and encounters with this species are relatively infrequent due to their secretive nature and nocturnal habits. These sleek serpents are skilled at remaining concealed within their desert habitat, utilizing burrows, rock crevices, and underground refuges to avoid detection during the day. Their elusive behavior and preference for remote, undisturbed areas further contribute to the rarity of human encounters.

This species can be distinguished from the similar-looking Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) by the glossy snakes smooth and shiny scales, in contrast to the keeled dorsal scales of the gophersnake. Additionally, when compared to the Nightsnake, the glossy snake has round pupils, while the Nightsnake (Hypsiglena spp.) features vertically elliptical pupils.

Within this species, there are three subspecies found in Arizona.

Desert glossy snake (Arizona elegans eburnata) is identified by small and narrow dorsal blotches, narrower than the spaces between them. This species is pale in coloration, with the blotches rarely more than 7 scale rows wide at the midline with usually only 1 preocular scale. Geography or scale count can be used for differentiation.

Painted desert glossy Snake (Arizona elegans philipi) is located also exhibits small and narrow dorsal blotches, but they are slightly wider than those of the Desert Glossy subspecies. Identification can be based on geography or scale count.

Arizona glossy snake (Arizona elegans noctivaga): This particular subspecies is distributed throughout the majority of south-central Arizona. In comparison to the Painted Desert Glossy Snake, it possesses a relatively shorter tail in proportion to its body size. Some suggest that Arizona elegans occidentalis should be granted full species status.

References:

Stebbins, R. C., & McGinnis, S. M. (2018). Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin.

Brennan, T. C. (2023). Glossy snake. The reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. https://reptilesofaz.org/snakes-subpages/h-a-elegans/

Boone, J. (n.d.). Desert Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans eburnata). Wildlife around Las Vegas, glossy snake (Arizona elegans). https://www.birdandhike.com/Wildlife/Snake/Ari_ele/_Ari_ele.htm

Glossy snake (snakes of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and northeastern New Mexico) · INATURALIST. iNaturalist. (n.d.). https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/840554